Taking Carbotaxol: Hi my name is Debbie, I am... - My Ovacome

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Taking Carbotaxol

Debbienix55 profile image
17 Replies

Hi my name is Debbie,

I am about to start the infusion of Carbotaxol, I would like to here from some of the people that has taking this chemo treatment, and what are some of there side affects on sick hurting and do you lose your hair.,

Thanks so much,

Debbie

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Debbienix55
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17 Replies
Friscok12 profile image
Friscok12

Hi Debbie I have had 4 treatments two to go lost all my hair it's not easy everybody has diffrent side affects but loads of meds to help with this iam stage 3 oc started fallopian tube with spread half way scan looking good my worst has been numb feet sore legs sore hands new one today mouth ulcer hope this helps xx

Shire62 profile image
Shire62

Welcome!

I personally found it a bit like having flu, especially the first 5 days after infusion.. my first one I feel was the most daunting, I think it's because you just feel so "different " and was expecting to keel over as I had read the side effects and was convinced I would get them all !! I also had a fear of being in contact with germs !! When I look back it was a bit over the top , but I was so scared of everything.. in reality the treatments aren't that bad and you do get through them , I'm on my last one on the 26 th of Jan.. I've lost all my hair but small price to pay I guess for hopefully a healthier 2017.

Any questions just ask away.

Love ❤️ Jackie xx

Annr5h profile image
Annr5h

Hi Debbie, everybody is different some have worse side effects more than others.

You will proberly lose your hair eyebrows and lashes( mine have come back better stronger and curler)

Just make sure you deal with each problem and sort it out, try to turn your negatives into postitives. I did and I'm now through the other side getting my life back to normal. If you are worried about anything just post it on here and you'll get lots of support from the lovely ladies on this sight.

Best wishes xx

Debbienix55 profile image
Debbienix55

I have Cancer called Metastatic cell , and Squamous cell they found it in my neck took it out and did a pet scan and it showed 3 other places in my neck and 1 place upper chest stage 3-4 cancer. Start chemo and radiation in 2 weeks for 13.5 weeks , chemo is the Carbotaxol infusion, so I was just wanting to talk to people that may have had this kind of cancer and chemo. Thanks to anyone that can tell me anything on this , thanks Debbie

27-359 profile image
27-359

Hi Debbie, Yes I'm afraid you do lose your hair, but personally I did get used to it and didn't find it too upsetting. You will be given tablets for nausea which will really help. Also, if you get joint pains, a soak in an Epsom salts bath will really help.

When you read about the side-effects of Carbo/Taxol it can be really frightening, so I would advise you that you are unlikely to get all of them, so just tackle each as they arise. You will not be left alone to deal with them, and this site is full of ladies with experience and hints to help you deal with this.

Jenny

caf132 profile image
caf132

Hi Deb-I finished my chemo in October 2016. As others have said it is not as bad as i expected. the first cycles are the easiest. i did have mouth sores and bleeding gums when brushing, also bloody noses frequently.

Chemo is cumulative. towards the end I had low platelets, WBC's and RBC's but those are manageable and then you push through.

Sending strength and courage. Keep us posted

Xx Carol

Cindyinpg profile image
Cindyinpg

I am halfway through 6 three week cycles. I have had very few side effects so far. My hair has thinned but I have not lost it it, byt I do have a big increase in appetite, dry and bloody nose. No nausea or fatigue whatsover. I've kept working and going to the gym.

Teresa_K profile image
Teresa_K

Good luck Debbie

I finished my chemo Sept 16. As others have said anticipation was almost worse. I did feel a bit sick the first time and my meds were changed after which no problem. Hair loss quite quickly but I had a lovely wig which everyone loved. Eyelashes/eyebrows didn't go till session 5. No ulcers. I was allergic to taxol but antihistamines kept that under control. Taxol stopped after session 5 as side effects were becoming too much, neuropathy and general feeling ill. I did watch a lot of day time tv allowing my to renew my love of Quincy. So not all bad.

Tx

Caleda4 profile image
Caleda4

Hi there,

I had carbo/taxol at the beginning of last year,4 sessions,& I can honestly say it was not as bad as I thought. Yes I did feel tired for the 1st 4-5 days,but after that I gradually got back towards normal. I found trying to walk a mile a day was helpful to me,weather permitting of course. It did me good just to get out in the air really. The other advice I was given was that as soon as the infusion starts drink plenty of water,about 2 littres over the whole day if you can. The hospital that I attended also gave advice on diet,to prevent any infection,so no soft cheeses, cooked meat like ham,no re-cooked meat from left over dinners,no shell fish & no take aways. This is quite difficult but I did stick with it & it worked for me. I did go shopping etc & do the normal things people do. Losing my hair I suppose in the end I just took it in my stride because I was expecting it to happen. I did however get my hair cut really short & about 10 days after the first infusion most of my hair came out.It is a strange feeling regarding the follicles & my head itched but it was not as bad as I thought. I did get a wig which I wore whilst out & gradually gained more confidence as time went on. My hair started to grow back after the last chemo & I went to our son's wedding at the beginning of Sept.so although it was till short it took 5 months to that stage for me & now I have a really good head of hair.

I hoep things go well for you & once you get past the first session hopefully you will not find it so daunting. Lots of love, Caleda xxx

Sunnylee profile image
Sunnylee

I have had carbo/taxol 18 times twice. I have clear cell ovarian c. First diagnosed in 2007. Had debunking surgery and 18 infusions. I lost all my hair, had low white cells and some neuropathy. They treated the white cell problem with neulasta. The first 6 infusions were stronger than the last 12. Then in 2015 I had a recurrence. Had surgery, radiation and 18 more taxol/carbo. Lost my hair and had anemia. Had several blood transfusions. Dr then put me on Avastin which raised my blood pressure so discontinued. Currently Ct is negative. I did well on the carbo/taxol combo. If losing my hair was the worst, I didn't care. Lots of cute wigs. Good luck.

jdillon profile image
jdillon

Hello!

My experience was very similar to Jackie's. The first two were more difficult than my last 4. I think, in part, because my fear of the unknown was off the charts. Once I figured out it was going to be nothing like what I had built up in my head they were very, very manageable. And looking back.....not so bad.

I was religious about taking my Zofran 3 times a day for the first 4 days and I was never nauseous. I took Ibuprophen 800's twice a day for the achiness and it took the edge off. I was also careful about what I ate the first week. Lot's of smoothies, popscicles, oatmeal, pudding, mashed potatoes, soup, etc..

The day after treatment was always a high energy day because of all the steriods I was on the day before and the day of treatment. The crash came that night. Day 2 and 3 I slept a lot. Day 4 was better and by day 5 I felt pretty good again. Weeks 2 and 3 after treatment were really good weeks. My energy level was still low due to the fatigue and by early evening I was exhausted, but I felt good and was able to accomplish a lot (and even be a little social) during those two 'off' weeks.

Tastebuds: I had a slight metal taste in my mouth for 2-3 days beginning Round 4-6. It wasn't bad and I found citrus and peppermint flavors helped.

Neuropathy: I escaped this side effect for the most part. By cycles 5 & 6 I had a slight tingling in my fingers that lasted for a few days and then went away.

Hair: I had medium-long hair and my hair stylist recommended cutting it to a short bob to soften the blow when it came out. I went in right after my first treatment and did that. They told me I would start losing my hair between days 14-21 after the first treatment. Mine started on Day 14. By Day 5 I couldn't stand it and had it shaved. I had a great wig and a couple of great hats that I lived in.

I had my last carbo/taxol on November 1st. As of today I would say I have just shy of a 1/2" of hair. My blonde is now all white. (They say this could change as it grows.) Unlike a lot of others mine is coming in straight and soft rather than curly and bristly.

Hindsight is 20/20, but my anxieties of what might happen were a lot worse than what actually happened. We are so fortunate that drugs to maintain many of the side effects have come so far!

I am currently on secondline treatment with different drugs, but this was my experience on my first go-round.

I hope this helps. Please ask if you have any other questions. I kept a daily journal so it is easy to look back.

Hugs!

Jodi

Luchie profile image
Luchie in reply to jdillon

Hi Jody, I have the same experienced as you. I have very little side effects of carbo and taxol, 4 sessions was a doddle.. I had my operations last month total hysterectomy and omentectomy. I had the result of that last week and now my ovarian cancer is stage 3c and aggressive form. So once my wound is totally healed I will resume my last 2 remaining chemo sessions and because my last ct scan showed. 2 small nodules in my peritoneal wall I have to have avastin as well. So I don't know how I will respond to this treatment. I would like to hear from someone who had this treatment already. I'm new to this site and find it so helpful and inspiring to read other people experienced. You mentioned you are having your 2nd line treatment . I wish you well and take care. Xxx

Luchie

jdillon profile image
jdillon in reply to Luchie

Hi Luchie!

My treatment plan was different than yours in the fact I had surgery first, then carbo/taxol. They found I was platinum resistant so they started me in early December on Avastin/Doxil. I have those two drugs on the 1st and Avastin Only on the 15th. Last week I completed my 2nd cycle of the Avastin/Doxil. They likely will not rescan me until I've completed 6 cycles. However, I just received a call from MD Anderson (a cancer research hospital that I had my second opinion at) and they recommend rescanning after 3 to see if it is working.

So far I'm tolerating the treatments very well. I feel so good most days I have a hard time believing I have this awful disease. And for that I'm thankful!

If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!

Hugs,

Jodi

Luchie profile image
Luchie in reply to jdillon

Hi Jodi, thanks for your reply. It is so nice to share our own experience. I know it helps me a lot to know that I'm not alone. Good luck and remain positive. Thinking of you.

Huggs

Luchie

Lisa1959 profile image
Lisa1959

Just took my second of 6 treatments of Carboplatin/ Taxol for fallopian tube serous carcinoma. I have not had any nausea or vomiting at all...my issue is the neuropathy...I get my infusion on Thursday and the the leg,feet,calf pain began and lasted for 36 hours....like having restless leg x 200....so at 3 2nd treatment my MD ordered hydrocodone/ibuprofen....it he helped a tiny bit....but it was more intense and I could not work on Monday or Tuesday and still felt at only 50% on Wed. But went to work for 6 hours.....so I do not know what to expect this next time coming up at the end of January...my cancer was stage 1 with no metastasis as nodes , washing and biopsies from surgery were all negative....I wish I good luck !

Heatherslade profile image
Heatherslade

Hi there and just joined his forum. I have just finished 6 rounds of this chemo, 3 week cycles. Nausea not too bad, more in few days after chemo and quite bad joint points for the first week but it does wear off. I have neuropathy in feet which is not good but had that left over from a round of chemotherapy a year ago for bowel cancer. Last 2 weeks, 10 days of cycle not bad. I golf and walk and so life goes on Crossing fingers the treatment works. I only got diagnosed last June after a major op for my bowel/peritoneal cancer which showed up ovarian cancer in one ovary and fallopian tube so had full hysterectomy and peritoneal lining removed. Doing fine at moment and cant fault treatment so far.

Luchie profile image
Luchie

Hi Debbie , I had 4 sessions of Carboplatin and Taxol, and pleased to say that I did not have nasty side effects. The effect I had was feeling wobbly on the 3rd,4th,5th day but this is because of the side effects of steroids they give you on the chemo day and 2strong dosaged on the 2nd & 3rd day and suddenly stopped on the 4th day. On my 1st and 2nd day I can run the marathon as I have so much energy and so hyper. But apparently this is the effect of the ateroids. Unfortunately I lost my very long hair because of taxol. But hey it's only hair! It will grow back.. I tell myself it's the least of my worries as long as I live! I had my hair shaved after my 1st session as it's more upsetting when you see them falling in clamps.. I just use different hats and scarfs which is so fashionable . I had a total hysterectomy and my omentum removed at the same time. After my 4th sessions. Now I'm just waiting for my wound to be healed properly before I can resume the last 2 remaining sessions of chemo as I was told I will have 6sessions all together. My Ca125 to start with was 344 and after my 1st session of chemo, it went down to 41 and after my 3rd session it went down to 6.

I had the result of my histopathologist report from my operation and was told that my ovarian cancer is stage 3c and it's the aggressive form, but the good news is that it's responding well to chemo. But I think if you have faith and a positive attitude will helps a lot and I'm very lucky to have a family that are very supportive.. Good luck in your treatment. Btw, I did not suffer from sickness or nausea as they will give you tablets to combat this. Xxxx

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